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3 The Environment and SocietyObjectivesDescribe “The Tragedy of the Commons”Explain the law of supply and demandList three differences between developed and developing countriesExplain what sustainability is, and describe why it is a goal of environmental science

4 The Tragedy of the CommonsGarrett Hardin- Conflict between the short-term interests of the individual and the long-term welfare of the societyExample: The Commons- the area that belonged to the whole villageCan be applied to today’s problem with natural resources

5 The Tragedy of the CommonsIndividuals put as many animals in the commons as possibleToo many destroyed the grassEveryone sufferedReplaced by closed fields owned by individualsOwners more carefulSomeone or group must take responsibility

10 Costs and BenefitsCost-benefit analysis: Balance the cost of action against the benefits expectedEnvironmental regulations paid for by taxpayer/consumerRisk AssessmentCost- Risk of undesirable outcomeCreate cost effective ways to protect environment

11 Developed and Developing CountriesUnequal distribution of wealth and resources around the worldDeveloped countries:Higher incomesSlower population growthDiverse industryStrong social supportUse 75% of world’s resources20% of world populationMore waste and pollution per person

14 Ecological FootprintsCalculations that show the productive area of earth needed to support one person in a countryEstimates land used for crops, grazing, forest products and housingIncludes ocean area for seafoodIncludes forest area to absorb pollution

16 A Sustainable WorldSustainability- The condition in which human needs are met which allows the human population to survive indefinitelyKey goal of environmental scienceCurrent world not sustainableDeveloped countries using resources faster than can be replaced